Jakki Barlow, of Church Street in Heckmondwike said it felt like 'a smack in the face' when she discovered the plant pots and flowers she had arranged in the garden to mark her son's 18th birthday had been stolen - the day after she bought them.

Jakki and her two other sons Liam and Reece had planted flowers to mark little Jamie Lee's birtjday, who tragically drowned almost 17 years ago.

Jakki said she couldn't afford to buy a plaque when Jamie died and so the family's memorial was their way of remembering him.

"We are all absolutely gutted and feel sickened that someone could do this," she said.

"The pots don't have any cash value so they are no use to anyone, just very special to us.

"We had a little denim boot with some dark purple pansies in it which we'd got for the memorial garden and that's gone."

The family had put the finishing touches to the memorial on Sunday afternoon and when they went outside on Monday they realised everything had gone.

Now Jakki is pleading with the thief to return the pots.

She said: "Could whoever has taken them just please return them to us, or just leave them in the garden. I won't be cross, just please bring them back."

A police spokesman said enquiries were ongoing, but anyone with any information is urged to contact the Spen Neighbourhood Policing Team on 01924 295357 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.